The Independent National electoral Commission (INEC) has started plans to hold a meeting with security agencies in Edo State, ahead of the governorship election in the state.

It was gathered that the commission would also meet with stakeholders in the state.

INEC’s Deputy Director, Publicity and Voter Education, Nick Dazang, confirmed the proposed meeting with the security agencies on Sunday.

He said, “It is true that we are planning to meet with security agencies such as the Police, the DSS and others before the date we fixed for the election.

“The meeting will enable us to evaluate what all the parties have done as the day for the election draws nearer.

“We cannot afford to fail because the election, like every other one, is very important to us as a commission and to Nigerians generally.

“We will meet with the security agencies so that we can compare notes. We need to know what has happened between when we shifted the election and now.”

Dazang also confirmed another meeting with stakeholders in the state.

“We are also going to have another stakeholders’ meeting in Benin. The meeting will come after our meeting with the security agencies.

“But unlike the one we held before postponing the election, this meeting will just be attended by some of our national commissioners and the state Resident Electoral Commissioner.

“The chairman and others might not be there. In all, we are getting ready for the election and we are also banking on the cooperation of the electorates and the people of the state,” he said.

INEC had postponed the election to September 28, after security agencies called for more time to deal with security challenges.

Azeez